In the market for a new Tow Vehicle

[scarr44]

I'm currently using my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee to tow my 2016 Jay Feather 16XRB. It has been doing an okay job. I'm looking to upgrade my TV with the expectation that I may upgrade my TT at some point.

I'd like the vehicle to be an SUV type with a third row. We live in CO and always tow up into the mountains. My Jeep has struggled at higher elevations and I'm always thinking the current trip is it's last. I need more power, even to tow my little hybrid.

If you're towing with a third row SUV, what make/model is it and do you recommend it? What are you towing? loaded weight?

[Scott91370]

My only advice would be to watch the payload if you're carrying enough people to use the 3rd row.

[tcoilburner]

What engine does the Jeep have?

[scarr44]

Originally Posted by Scott91370

My only advice would be to watch the payload if you're carrying enough people to use the 3rd row.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind if we happen to be in that scenario. 3rd row is mainly for non-towing situations when we have family in town and want everyone in one vehicle.

[scarr44]

Originally Posted by tcoilburner

What engine does the Jeep have?

It's a 3.7 L V6.

[Subaru297]

The Durango has impressive towing numbers for an SUV. More than our old half ton.

[jimp]

I would look at the number of times you tow vs the number of times you need the 3rd row seating. Which is higher??

[tcoilburner]

There are plenty of three row vehicles that will tow your camper better. Durango v8 or v6 both have more hp and torque than currently. The GM Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave with the v6. Ford Explorer. If you really want to tow GM Tahoe or Yukon will get you a big vehicle and v8. Then Ford has the Expedition.

[scarr44]

Originally Posted by tcoilburner

There are plenty of three row vehicles that will tow your camper better. Durango v8 or v6 both have more hp and torque than currently. The GM Acadia, Traverse, and Enclave with the v6. Ford Explorer. If you really want to tow GM Tahoe or Yukon will get you a big vehicle and v8. Then Ford has the Expedition.

Some of these are on the list to look into, but there are a couple to add to the list now. thanks!

[Bookemdanno]

If you can wait a bit, I believe the new Tahoe & Suburban are going to offer them with the 3 liter Diesel engine.

[ynpmoose]

I have a 2016 Expedition with the 3.5l Ecoboost twin turbo. It tows as good as my old diesel Expedition. It's always had plenty of power to spare, and I've been all over the Appalachians with it.

[Camper_bob]

I've never been much of a "Blue Oval" guy, but Ford's Expedition line had the best towing and payload last time I went looking. And the EcoBoost engines are certainly no slouch. Maybe a good option if towing frequently at altitude...

Check out TFL Truck on Youtube. They have done a lot of towing torture tests on a variety of vehicles along with many "head-to-head" comparos. See if any of the ones you're considering have gone through their "Ike Gauntlet" towing test and check it out. I won't say their tests are purely scientific, but they're pretty good for a bunch of automotive enthusiasts with GoPros...

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

I've never been much of a "Blue Oval" guy, but Ford's Expedition line had the best towing and payload last time I went looking. And the EcoBoost engines are certainly no slouch. Maybe a good option if towing frequently at altitude...

My 2018 is my first Ford product. I've had it now a little over a year and a half (25K) and I am continually impressed with not only the power of that Gen 2 3.5L Ecoboost, but also the overall efficiency both towing and commuting empty. I would have no reservations recommending one at this point.

[scarr44]

Thanks all, I'll add the Expedition to the list. I have never owned a Ford and wasn't sure of their reliability. Maybe that's just a poor impression from my youth...

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by scarr44

Thanks all, I'll add the Expedition to the list. I have never owned a Ford and wasn't sure of their reliability. Maybe that's just a poor impression from my youth...

All of the US "Big 3" have gone through periods where the reliability of their product was (rightfully) questioned. When I bought a 2015 Ram 2500 a couple years ago, my brother ribbed me about the dash coming apart. I gave him a look and informed him that those problems (from back in the '90s) had been remedied long ago, and that it was a great truck.

He picked up an older Ford pickup equipped with the V-10 that had the aluminum heads, and I gave him grief about it spitting out a plug. Turns out his did in fact throw a plug. It was a well known Ford problem with those engines that has since been fixed.

Back in my younger days, my dad was a GM guy, and thus was I, by proxy, so we gave the other two PLENTY of grief. But my dad had earned his right to hand out grief because he spent most of his career as a maintenance supervisor for fleets of rental vehicles. So he got to actually SEE what was happening with many different brands.

There are plenty of jokes about all 3 of those manufacturers; many of them have been earned. Kind of like Aggie jokes here in TX.

For the past several years, I would say that automotive manufacturing has come a LONG way. I would even venture to say that, in general, all 3 manufacturers produce a good product. For me personally, when I was shopping for a truck, I didn't really care what emblem rode on the grille. I looked at the numbers, my budget, and then test-drove and did other research to come up with the best choice for me. That happened to be a Ram at the time, but it could very easily have been a GM or Ford.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

If you can wait a bit, I believe the new Tahoe & Suburban are going to offer them with the 3 liter Diesel engine.

i doubt you will be able to tow much with it and the payload will probably be less then a gas motor... the new ford f150 has this problem..



I did see a new yukon MSRP for 101k so GM gets the badge of honor for going over 100k on a vehicle...

[curver900]

[QUOTE=

For the past several years, I would say that automotive manufacturing has come a LONG way. I would even venture to say that, in general, all 3 manufacturers produce a good product. For me personally, when I was shopping for a truck, I didn't really care what emblem rode on the grille. I looked at the numbers, my budget, and then test-drove and did other research to come up with the best choice for me. That happened to be a Ram at the time, but it could very easily have been a GM or Ford.[/QUOTE]




^^^^ this
but i like the ride of the GM over the ford in the HD line...

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by curver900

I did see a new yukon MSRP for 101k so GM gets the badge of honor for going over 100k on a vehicle...

That’s ridiculous!

[RogerR]

I have a 14 Jeep Grand cherokee overland with the 3.6 engine and have gone over Monarch pass, 11,000 feet several times towing a 195rb which has a gvw only 400 less than yours. Never overheated the engine or tranny. I do drop down to 45 and we try to avoid going over with full tanks of water. Mileage drops off to 10 mpg
I have added a K&N air filter and use only full synthetic motor oil. I also watch my tire pressure. Maybe your Jeep needs some work. Or do you use that 85 octane stuff sold in Colorado?

I currently have 99K on mine. You could still stay with a Jeep Grand and get a v8.

[RoninAZ]

You need to decide what trailer your going to buy first than get a TV that can tow it safely. There are some pretty nice pick-ups on the market as comfortable as must SUV's. Trailer Life Mag. Tow Guide -
http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-t...Y5gwzsJ1L3o75Y